King the Land Filming Locations Worth Visiting: A Self-Guided Korea Travel Guide
King the Land (킹더랜드) was filmed primarily in Seoul and Jeju Island, with additional overseas scenes filmed in Bangkok, Thailand. This guide covers only the South Korean locations — specifically those with real travel value for independent travelers.
One important note: the "King Hotel" at the center of the drama does not exist as a single real building. The production combined the exterior of the Grand Hyatt Seoul with lobby scenes filmed at Parnas Hotel Jeju, and used CGI to complete the effect. Knowing this helps set realistic expectations before visiting any of the locations listed here.
Drama Info
| Director | Im Hyun-wook |
| Writer | Choi Rom |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy, Drama |
| Episodes | 16 |
| Released | June 17 – August 6, 2023 (JTBC / Netflix) |
| Cast | Lee Junho, Im Yoona, Go Won-hee, Kim Ga-eun |
Spoiler-Free Synopsis
Goo Won is the cold and perfectionist heir to the King Group, a luxury hotel conglomerate. Cheon Sa-rang is a warm and dedicated hotel employee whose genuine smile catches his attention. The drama follows their relationship as it develops against the backdrop of the luxury hospitality industry — and the family dynamics that complicate Goo Won's life.
Why This Drama Is Popular Among Travelers
King the Land became one of the most-watched Korean dramas on Netflix globally in 2023. Its glamorous hotel settings — combining real luxury properties in Seoul and Jeju — attracted attention from international viewers. The drama's mix of Seoul landmarks and Jeju's coastal resort atmosphere gives travelers a range of itinerary options across two distinct Korean destinations.
Filming Locations Worth Visiting
The locations below are associated with the drama and are widely listed by travel sources as filming sites.
1. Grand Hyatt Seoul (그랜드 하얏트 서울)
Associated drama setting: King Hotel exterior
About this location: The exterior of the fictional King Hotel is widely associated with the Grand Hyatt Seoul, a five-star hotel on the slopes of Namsan in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The production used CGI to replace the hotel's actual signage with the King Hotel branding. The hotel has views over the Han River and is located near Itaewon and Namsan Park. Travel and entertainment media often list this building as the drama's hotel exterior.
Region: Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Can you visit? Yes — it is an operating luxury hotel. The building exterior and surrounding hillside area are accessible. Hotel facilities require a stay or dining reservation.
Worth visiting without a car? Yes — accessible from Hangangjin Station on Seoul Subway Line 6.
Public transport access: Use Hangangjin Station as your starting point, then continue on foot or by short taxi ride to the hotel. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Year-round. The hillside location near Namsan offers pleasant walks in spring and autumn.
Self-guided tip: The hotel exterior is the main draw for drama fans. The surrounding Namsan and Itaewon area has independent travel value — combine with a walk up to Namsan Park or N Seoul Tower nearby.
Local food tip: This area is known for Korean barbecue, casual Korean dining, and international food options around Itaewon and Noksapyeong. These are popular food options to consider during your visit.
2. Parnas Hotel Jeju (파르나스 호텔 제주)
Associated drama setting: King Hotel lobby
About this location: The lobby scenes of the King Hotel are widely associated with Parnas Hotel Jeju, a five-star resort in the Jungmun Tourism Complex in Seogwipo, Jeju. Multiple travel and entertainment sources list Parnas Hotel Jeju as the location associated with the drama's interior hotel scenes. The hotel is an operating luxury resort with ocean views and is located within one of Jeju's major tourism districts.
Region: Seogwipo-si, Jeju
Can you visit? Yes — it is an operating hotel. The lobby area may be accessible to non-guests, but full facility access requires a reservation. Check current access conditions before visiting.
Worth visiting without a car? Difficult. The Jungmun area is easier to reach by rental car or taxi from Seogwipo or Jeju City.
Public transport access: From Jeju International Airport, travel toward the Jungmun Tourism Complex by airport bus, local bus, taxi, or rental car. A taxi or rental car may be more convenient depending on your itinerary. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Year-round. The Jungmun area has several major attractions including Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Jusangjeolli Cliff that can be combined with a visit to this area.
Self-guided tip: The Jungmun Tourism Complex has multiple attractions within walking distance of each other. Combine a visit to the hotel area with other Jungmun destinations for an efficient Jeju south coast itinerary.
Local food tip: This area is known for Jeju black pork, braised hairtail fish, and fresh seafood. These are popular local dishes to try during your visit.
3. Eungbongsan Park (응봉산공원)
About this location: A small mountain park in the Seongdong-gu area of Seoul, listed by travel sources as a filming location associated with the drama. Eungbongsan is known for night views of the Han River and central Seoul. The park has independent travel value as an accessible and quieter viewpoint worth considering for independent travelers who want to see the city from an elevated vantage point.
Region: Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Can you visit? Yes — it is a public park. The trail is accessible year-round.
Worth visiting without a car? Yes — accessible by subway from central Seoul.
Public transport access: Use Eungbong Station or a nearby major station such as Wangsimni as your starting point, then continue on foot or by short taxi ride depending on your route. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Evening for city and Han River night views. Spring for cherry blossoms along the trail. The summit is lit up at night, making it accessible after dark.
Self-guided tip: The trail to the summit is relatively short and accessible for most fitness levels. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to visit around sunset or after dark.
Local food tip: This area is known for casual Korean meals, café stops, and simple local dining around Wangsimni and Seongsu. These are practical food options to consider after visiting the park.
The "King Hotel" as seen in the drama does not exist as a single real building. The production combined the exterior of the Grand Hyatt Seoul with lobby interiors filmed at Parnas Hotel Jeju, and used CGI to add the King Hotel branding. Visiting either location will give you a partial connection to the drama, but neither is a complete replica of the fictional hotel shown on screen.
Several scenes in the drama were filmed in Bangkok, Thailand, including sequences around the Iconsiam waterfront area. These locations are outside the scope of this Korea travel guide.
How to Watch Outside Korea
King the Land is available on Netflix in many regions. Availability, subtitle languages, and audio options may vary by country. If the title does not appear immediately, try searching by both the English title and the Korean title, 킹더랜드.
Final Travel Summary
| Location | Region | Visitable? | Without a Car? | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Hyatt Seoul | Yongsan-gu, Seoul | Yes (exterior) | Yes | Year-round |
| Parnas Hotel Jeju | Seogwipo, Jeju | Yes (check access) | Difficult | Year-round |
| Eungbongsan Park | Seongdong-gu, Seoul | Yes | Yes | Evening / Spring |
King the Land gives travelers a reason to explore both central Seoul and the south coast of Jeju — two destinations that work well together as part of a broader Korea itinerary. For travelers already visiting Seoul, Eungbongsan Park and the Grand Hyatt area are both accessible without extra planning. The Jeju connection adds a natural reason to explore the Jungmun Tourism Complex on the island's south coast.
Sources and Notes
This guide was compiled using official tourism pages, Korean travel media, and reliable drama location sources. Filming location details may vary by source, so some locations are described as "associated with" or "widely listed by travel sources" as filming sites.
- Preview.ph — King the Land Hotel Filming Locations — Detailed breakdown of Grand Hyatt Seoul and Parnas Hotel Jeju
- Visit Korea — King the Land filming locations — Official Korea Tourism Organization coverage
- Korea Travel Post — King the Land filming locations — Location details including Eungbongsan Park
Travel information such as hotel access conditions, opening hours, and public transport schedules may change. Please check Google Maps, Naver Map, and official tourism pages before visiting.
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